(click image for pdf version of box score)
The selection of a box score format is a key decision in setting up your system for conducting a replay.
The format you choose has to be understandable, easy to record and, most important, easily convertible to a systematic cumulative stat-keeping summary.
I do not compile the results of the individual game into a single game box score. I simply use the box score to convert the information to the cumulative summaries for each individual player.
Here’s what a game looks like in this format; in this instance a 1911 American League game matching Detroit at the New York Highlanders.
In this example, you can quickly see the scoring by inning, what each individual batter and individual pitcher did during the game. Scoring is quickly identifiable via a symbol. Runs are noted with a Ÿ. RBIs are noted with an X. Unearned runs are noted with a circled U in red. Errors are highlighted in green.
Anything exceptional is highlighted. New York Highlander 3b Knight, for example, was hit by a pitch in three consecutive at-bats, which is noted in red on the side and highlighted in yellow in the box score. NY leadoff man Bert Daniels went 4-5.
The winning and losing pitchers, and their updated records, are noted, which can be helpful in reconciling their W-L records if there is a mistake somewhere along the way.
There are a million ways to record box scores. This happens to be a format that works best for me personally, but there are lots of others equally as effective or even better. The point is use a system that works for you because you are the one who is conducting the replay and working with the information.
I will be eager to hear from other replayers to learn how they have approached individual game recording and view any illustrations of how they do it. Forward them to me and I’ll post ‘em on the blog so that others can see (note: scan and convert the scan to a PDF, which allow the illustration to be easily reproduced in on The APBA Blog)
Next: How to approach playing a replay schedule.
I love looking at people’s box scores. Each one is different.
Great article, Rod!
This is awesome. I use a very similar system except that instead of x and y I use tick marks to the left of the player’s name, with runs scored getting ticks on the upper half of the space next to the name, and rbi’s on the lower half.
I use a very similar system. I circle runs scored. I also use S, D, T, HR for hits as opposed to the slashes. Pretty minor differences really. It’s nice to be able to score games on a piece of notebook paper.
Not to be picky but I always considered this a scoresheet. A box score is the stats summary like you would see in a newspaper. Maybe it depends on where you are from for the different terminology.
I am like you, Blake.
I use S, D, T and HR (a la Bill James’ Account Form Box Scores) and use a number (s8 is a single to center, D9′ is an RBI double to right and I also circle runs scored).
And I got my local Staples to print actual scoresheets in bulk (I use actual scoresheets).
Hello,
Has any one tried entering the dice roll and the result number?
Mind you, this wouldn’t be entered in a score sheet butin a notebook.
ex. 4213 (red 4 white 2 result13)
ex 110436
ex 3306511
ex 4514
as APBAers we would know “0” would be a re-roll.
eric L